Jackson Prep's senior-laden team must find its own identity

Running back and outfielder Jerrion Ealy of Jackson Prep is a member of the 2018 Clarion Ledger Dandy Dozen.
Mackenzie Salmon, Mississippi Clarion Ledger

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Jackson Prep running back Jerrion Ealy (2) returns a punt for a second quarter touchdown against Parklane during game action Friday, November 17th, 2017 in Clinton, MS.(Bob Smith-For the Clarion Ledger)(Photo11: Bob Smith, For Clarion Ledger)Buy Photo

When it comes to MAIS football, Jackson Prep is not only synonymous with winning but doing so most of the time in downright dominating fashion.

Now, for the seventh year in a row, the bullseye will rest squarely upon the shoulders of head coach Ricky Black and the boys in red and blue. In order to do keep their streak of dominance going, Black said his team must establish an identity of its own while filling some holes left by graduating seniors.

Here are a few things to know about Prep ahead of Friday's opener at East Rankin Academy.

Senior-heavy

Simply saying the senior class on this year's Prep team is large would be an understatement. Of the 72 players that will dress out for the Patriots this season, 35 are seniors. Though that class has enjoyed a successful run on the gridiron, Black said they are eager to prove themselves.

"These guys have worked themselves into position. They're anxious to play, they want to contribute and make sure they're a part of this team," he said.

That group is led by quarterback Alex Gibbs, WR/DB Peyton Greenwood, linebacker Adam Norsworthy and Dandy Dozen athlete Jerrion Ealy.

Holes to fill

Jackson Prep may be a senior-laden team, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have question marks in spots on both sides of the ball. Gibbs is taking over quarterback duties after the departure of Chance Lovertich but saw limited action last year.

At the receiver position, the team will be looking for guys to step up as well as two of the top three receivers from last year — Ealy lead the team in receptions and touchdowns last season — are gone.

Petyon Greenwood will be one viable option for Gibbs, but the Patriots will need more than that to take the heat off Ealy.

"We are going to rely on the running game a little bit more to start with but hopefully that passing game can catch up and everybody won't put eight in the box to stop our run game," Black said. "Somebody got to establish themselves as the go-to guy."

As the offense looks for those players, it will likely rely on a seasoned offensive line returning four starters to be the glue that holds things together.

Only three starters return to the defensive side with linemen Jack Gideon and Adam Norsworthy leading the way in terms of experience. Black said he expects several guys to rotate in along the Patriots defensive front early on.

In the secondary, Bryson Weeks and Spence Graves are two players expected to see significant playing time.

Who are we?

Black doesn't want this team to ride the coattails of previous successes or become complacent with the title trophies already adorning the shelves of school. The key to that, he said, is for it to find its own identity.

"They have to forget about the things the other six teams have done and see what they can do as a team," Black said. "These last two teams didn't let the pressure bother them, they just wanted to make sure they got better each week. That's got to be our goal each week, to get better as individuals and as a team."